Still reeling from the shocking loss of nearly 200 people to the carnage on the roads during the December holidays, the Eastern Cape has lost a further 17 of its citizens, including six members of a single family, in one horrific accident.
The victims — seven men, three women, three boys and four girls — were killed in the accident on the N3 in Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday night.
They were all travelling in a taxi, when it collided head on with a truck in wet, misty conditions at about 8pm.
The taxi driver, who was reportedly not from the Eastern Cape, was also killed.
The only occupant of the taxi who survived the accident was a one-year-old girl whose six close relatives perished.
The truck driver escaped with minor injuries.
Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said: “The statistics will reflect that [the accident happened in] KwaZulu-Natal, but the impact is felt directly in our province — an impact that is difficult to quantify.”
All 17 of the Eastern Cape victims were from the Kumkani Mhlontlo local municipality.
Six of the deceased were Magoda family members from Nogaya village, outside Qumbu — husband Sihle Magoda, his wife Nosakhele Sigudu-Magoda, their children, daughters Bongiswa and Vuyiswa and twin boys Sifanle and Fanele.
Three deceased family members — Kwandolwethu Lebo Stemela-Nkohla, 32, and her daughters Onothando, 7, and Kungawo, 2, — were from Mdeni village in Qumbu.
Three more of the dead were relatives — Masakhane Fene, his wife Limise Yaliwe-Fente and a young unidentified family member were from Upper Lothana and Mbutho in Tsolo.
Of the remaining victims — Mandisa Mda, 56, was from Mvumelwano village in Qumbu while L Buloshe hailed from Mjika in Tsolo, M Mgqatsa was from Gwenxa village in Qumbu and Athayanda Mdlangazi, 26, came from Qumbu’s Sikhobeni village.
Magoda family spokesperson Nothembile Vice said the family was devastated
“They were here at home for the festive season where Sihle had brought all their children to conduct a traditional ceremony called imbeloko for all the children and introduce them to our ancestors.
“The ceremony was done on Friday. We were all happy and excited ... Little did we know that they came to bid us a farewell.
“To add more sorrow, one of our aunts who was in hospital died on hearing the news,” Vice said.
Stemele-Nkohla’s husband, Wandisile, said: “Seeing the bodies, I cried. I have lost my wife and daughters.”
AmaMpondomise King Luzuko Matiwane, Western Mpondoland King Ndamase Ndamase, premier Oscar Mabuyane, transport MEC Xolile Nqatha, OR Tambo mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana and Kumkani Mhlontlo mayor Mbulelo Jara, local traditional leader Mbulelo Mbangatha and Uncedo national chair Sandile Sifolo all sent messages of condolence to the families
Jara said: “It is with heavy hearts that we confirm 17 [Eastern Cape] lives were lost on the scene of the accident. Those who perished had hopes and dreams, and their families were waiting for them.
“The lone survivor, a young girl, is a symbol of both heartbreak and hope and we pray for her swift recovery.”
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said it was raining heavily, dark and misty at the time of the collision, and it appeared that the taxi had lost control.
“From the video footage ... it is very clear that the minibus lost control and swerved towards the right oncoming traffic lane and collided with a truck head-on.”
The office of the premier convened a meeting a meeting on Thursday to discuss options to provide support to the families of the deceased.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.